Solar Panel Cost Guide in Southwood Acres, CT (2024 Update)
- Southwood Acres Solar Installation Cost: $12,323
- 25-Year Savings: $17,819
- Payback Period: 11.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Southwood Acres
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Southwood Acres.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Southwood Acres it’s 4 per watt.The average Southwood Acres homeowner needs a 4.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,323 with the federal tax credit, or $17,622 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Southwood Acres homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $22,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in Southwood Acres for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Southwood Acres
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,479 |
| 3 years | $-6,791 |
| 5 years | $-3,103 |
| 7 years | $585 |
| 9 years | $4,273 |
| 11 years | $7,961 |
| 13 years | $11,649 |
| 15 years | $15,337 |
| 17 years | $19,025 |
| 19 years | $22,713 |
| 21 years | $26,401 |
| 23 years | $30,089 |
| 25 years | $33,777 |
Top Solar Installers in Southwood Acres
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Using a solar panel installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Southwood Acres
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Southwood Acres
There are a number of criteria that can influence your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Southwood Acres, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,750 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Southwood Acres offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panels can affect how much it costs. Southwood Acres’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.90 | $16,380 | $18,154 | 11.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.83 | $21,420 | $24,626 | 11.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.75 | $26,250 | $31,307 | 11.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,870 | $38,198 | 11.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.60 | $35,280 | $45,300 | 10.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,480 | $52,611 | 10.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.45 | $43,470 | $60,133 | 10.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,250 | $67,864 | 10.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a good company.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Southwood Acres, CT Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Southwood Acres?
The average cost of solar panels in Southwood Acres is about $18,750 for a 5-kW system and $37,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Southwood Acres?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Does Southwood Acres have a net metering program?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.